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On Forgiveness and Healing: Narrative Therapy and the Gospel Story
Get PDFPsychologists and theologians often talk past each other, particularly when discussing forgiveness. Comparing narrative therapy and the gospel story provides a way to engage the conversation meaningfully, both realities providing ways to transform human live
Identity in a Digital Age
Get PDFNot long ago, “identity” was understood to be established and retained more-or-less as is throughout life. No longer. The digital shrinking of time and space has made identity fluid, and the church faces a new task
Martin Buber\u27s “I and Thou”, Pastoral Counseling and Reading Text: A Proposal for an Integrated Approach
Get PDFPastoral care and the biblical tradition are inextricably linked in the minds of Jews and Christians for whom a central human task and calling is healing which leads to wholeness with each other, the world and God.This study explores the possibility of integrating reading the biblical text with a pastoral counseling approach informed by Martin Buber\u27s I-Thou relation that serves this goal of healing and wholeness.
In Martin Buber\u27s I-Thou wholeness is understood in relational terms. Healing is accomplished through meeting each other in genuine encounter. Buber\u27s I-Thou dialogical philosophy has influenced a relational approach for the practice of pastoral counseling. There is less secondary literature about Buber\u27s teaching on how to approach the biblical text dialogically. He taught that the text a dialogue between heaven and earth encourages our active participation by engaging the whole person with its living voice. Bringing these two elements—dialogical counseling and dialogical text reading—together in the counseling process introduces possibilities for adding to and enriching the healing process.
The study examines both the scholarly theories and the practices of counselors who have integrated Buber\u27s I-Thou into their work of dialogical counseling and have included biblical interpretation. An integrated model is proposed, several examples of pastoral counseling cases are considered and two of the author\u27s cases are presented with verbatim material to demonstrate the model.
The study shows that the essential features of I-Thou relation, the practice of dialogical counseling, and the practice of dialogical biblical text reading are compatible both theoretically and practically. Reading a biblical text with an open and engaged receptivity can be fully integrated into the mutuality of the healing partnership. This enhances the healing partnership without disturbing the nature of the helping process.
For those who practice relational healing, the introduction of the biblical text can add unexpected dimensions and energy into the dialogue and the unfolding healing process. The biblical voice, while addressing presenting concerns can also invite each person into dialogue with God, whom Buber calls the Eternal Thou
Complexities of Pastoral Change and Transition in the Megachurches of the Baptist General Conference, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Presbyterian Church (USA)
Get PDFThe emergence of the megachurch in the United States represents a unique phenomenon which was shaped by a variety of cultural, political, economic, and religious forces. Megachurches have grown exponentially in recent years and now exercise unprecedented influence on the religious landscape in this country. Accompanying this phenomenon is a new and unique group of leaders who have guided these congregations through periods of rapid growth and substantial organizational change.
It is anticipated that many megachurches will encounter significant challenges in the future as the current senior pastors retire. Since existing research on megachurches has focused primarily on the congregations, little is known about the personal and professional characteristics of these pastors, and how, if at all, these pastors and congregations have prepared for changes in pastoral leadership. Protecting the sacred relationship between pastor and congregation is critical because the disruption of the sacred trust impacts the faith and spiritual practices of the pastor(s), staff, and congregation, as well as local and global ministries.
These issues were explored in twenty-two megachurches in three denominational systems—the Baptist General Conference, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Presbyterian Church (USA). The results include a detailed description of the personal and professional characteristics of the senior pastors, and provide new insight into the importance of relationships in their lives and ministries. The unique characteristics of these megachurches, as well as their relationships in the local community and around the world, contribute to the complexities of pastoral change and transition.
Historically, most of these megachurches have responded to, rather than prepared for, the inevitable departure of the senior pastor, which resulted in the disruption of the sacred relationship between the pastor and congregation. Many adhere to congregational or denominational policies which discourage, even preclude, any succession planning. Several pastors and congregations in the Baptist General Conference and Presbyterian Church (USA) are employing alternative approaches which promote continuity of leadership rather than disruption. The biblical, theological, historical, and theoretical resources engaged in this study support the anticipation of changes in pastoral leadership, rather than the reactionary approach currently utilized by many congregations
Social Networking and Church Systems
Get PDFMost existing church systems were shaped by bureaucratic organizational paradigms of a previous century that are coming under increasing stress today. The shift to a network society brings both profound challenges and great opportunities to the church in our culture